In this Macedonian city, with its welcoming locals, waterfalls and beguiling neighbourhoods, you will live your very own fairytale.

Waterfalls within a town? Travel to Macedonia and experience the magic of water. You’ll be charmed by these little miracles sculpted by the Edesseos River. As you wander around, you’ll come to the open-air Water Museum, the only one of its kind in Greece. Here you’ll be introduced to the force that once powered looms and mills of Edessa’s industrial heritage.

A glorious past of Byzantine churches and Macedonian houses unfolds around you as you stroll through Varosi. Back in the present, the city will entertain you in the evening at Katarraktakia (Little Waterfalls) and serve you local delicacies in Flamouria. The town’s gifts flow as freely as its water; enjoy them as you would a cool, refreshing drink.

Must see in Edessa

Edessa: A city with waterfalls, plane trees and water nymphs
Follow the Edesseos River, also known as the Botha, and its tributaries flowing through this Macedonian town. You’ll discover seven waterfalls, but one in particular will stick in the mind. Famous Keranos drops 70m among plane trees that were seeded centuries hence. You’ll be spellbound as the magical mist envelops the verdant park, especially when lit up at night. Some swear they can see a water nymph at play in the tumbling waters. What about you? Travel to this magical destination in Northern Greece and find out!

Historic springs at the open-air Water Museum
Edessa’s industry was water-powered. Mills of all kinds, looms and six factories operated here in the 19th century, bringing prosperity to the town. The force that drove them all is commemorated in the museum, the city’s most fascinating attraction. Don’t forget to visit the Giannakis watermill with its aquarium and reptile house. It is the first in Greece to have fresh-water fish as well as snakes, turtles, eels, crabs and even baby crocodiles.

A trip to aristocratic Varosi
This is a hillside neighbourhood full of grand old houses in the Macedonian architectural style.14th-century Byzantine churches with interesting frescoes, such as the church of the Dormition of the Virgin and the church of Saints Peter and Paul, put the finishing touches on the special atmosphere.

Katarraktakia: small waterfalls and a big party
The neighbourhood with all the little waterfalls is in the heart of the city. Young people gather here to have fun and the noise they make gives the falling water a run for its money. Mini bridges amongst a riot of green foliage, cafes and tavernas near the river create a delightful setting in northern Macedonia. The locals claim that there are 71 bridges of all sizes in Edessa. You’ll need a sturdy pair of walking boots to check if they’ve got their sums right!

Longos archaeological site
Ancient houses, shops, column capitals and games of noughts and crosses scratched into the streets are among the remnants of ancient Edessa. You’ll find them among the fertile fields of Longos that will introduce you to the past of this picturesque city in Northern Greece.

Lake Agra
Just 8km away from the city of Edessa lies the unique wetland of Lake Agra. Here again, water is the main protagonist and rare bird species living in the surrounding reeds the attention-grabbing co-stars.